Rite-Hite introduces improvements to the Eclipse shelter, the first system to block light and seal gaps where previous enclosures have failed, providing a dark, environmentally-secure dock.

“Loading dock enclosures are designed to create a barrier between interior and exterior environments,” says Kyle Justice, Product Manager. “But, even the best seals and shelters sometimes leave gaps. Gaps allow contaminants to enter your facility and expensive energy to escape.”

In a single piece of equipment, the Eclipse shelter provides a tight, consistent seal all the way up trailer sides, across the top, and at the corners.

Sealing the Sides

On the sides of the trailer, durable GapMaster™ hooks wrap around swing-open trailer doors, sealing the gaps created by the door hinge – gaps that amount to over two and a half square feet of open air if left unsealed. The hooks are constructed of a rugged, premium material for extreme durability, and are wrapped with a flexible vinyl sleeve that conforms around the hinges for a better seal. Side curtains are built with high-strength Durathon® fabric, which features a unique, friction-resistant surface to resist wear.

Sealing the Top

Along the top of the trailer, an exclusive weighted head curtain applies over 100 pounds of pressure across the full width of the trailer top. This gravity-based system keeps the curtain in constant contact with the trailer during loading and unloading, ensuring a tight, consistent seal without requiring an additional rain diversion header. This weighted curtain automatically adjusts to a wide range of trailer heights, eliminating the need for manual pull ropes, effectively sealing low and tall trailers alike.

Sealing the Corners

At the top corners, the Eclipse® side curtains and weighted header work together to seal gaps that ordinary shelters don’t address. Innovative fabric corner pockets connect sides to top, providing a dark, complete seal when trailers back into place.

Sealing the Bottom

Below and around the dock leveler, Rite-Hite’s exclusive PitMaster™ under-leveler sealing system provides a barrier against environmental infiltration on the exterior of the dock. Meanwhile, lip corner seals, filler pads and other components block gaps on the inside of the dock. Working together, the Eclipse shelter and PitMaster under-leveler sealing system provide an advanced, highly effective seal on all four sides of the dock door opening when trailers are in place.

“Our best dock shelter just got better,” said Paul Rowlett, president of Rite-Hite Environmental Enclosures Corporation. “The Eclipse shelter improves employee comfort and safety. It helps protect products and equipment from weather-related damage. And it helps keep contaminants from entering your facility, contributing to the safety, cleanliness and overall environmental quality of your operations.”

Click here for more information about the Eclipse shelter, visit or call (414) 355-2600 to find your local Rite-Hite representative.

About Rite-Hite

Rite-Hite, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of material handling systems designed for maximum safety and productivity. Principal product lines include trailer restraints, dock levelers, integrated controls, dock seals and shelters, industrial power doors, fabric curtain walls, and aftermarket products and services. For more information, visit RiteHite.com or call 1-800-456-0600.